Archives for January 2013

January 30, 2013 By 6 Comments

A New Day

Lamentations 3:22-23  “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

It’s a new day.  Life does completely suck sometimes…for everyone…no one goes unscathed, but God has made some outstanding promises to His children, and I for one, am taking them to the bank.  So you get up and go at life again…and hard…and you soak up all that God has laid out there for you.

This morning we were surprised with a call from Harper’s school cancelling school for the day due to severe weather.  We had some killer storms last night that apparently wreaked some major havoc in our area.  A day off was actually just what this weary momma needed.

We’ve eaten yummy food.  I’m trying not to pass on my emotional eating.  God help them.  Ha.

There has been lots of coloring and drawing and cutting and glueing.  This is everyday though.  It’s just who they are and you know I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it.  Makes my heart waaaaay happy.

I did quite a bit of packaging and we even went to the post office this morning really early…in the rain.  We didn’t have to wait in any sort of line.  Boom.

We bought Harper a new desk and it’s pretty much the love of her life now…other than Amon.  She was excited to stay home just so she could hang with her desk.  She is totally my kid.

Amon got stuck on Harper’s baby bed.  Hilariously funny.  He did not see the humor in it.

More drawing and cutting and glueing and coloring.  Always.  Huddy is super serious about his creations…very, very focused.

When I was uploading these pictures I found this one.  Apparently Huddy thought more pictures were necessary of his orange hearts.  Cracking me up.

Cupcake making.  We’re celebrating a really special little dude this week and chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting were requested.  Ask and you shall receive.

Hand washing and bubble making…always…everyday.  Anyone else’s counter sink constantly stay wet?

Baths.  You know I’ve admitted to never bathing the wee Kelleys…figured today was as good as any.  Amon was a bit impatient about going last.

They’re pretty scrumptious aren’t they?

And finally it was his turn.  He adores his bath.

Everyone is now clean and dressed and down for naps.  The house is unusually quiet.  I might just even get a head start on dinner for tonight…it’s “make your own salad” night.  One of our favorites.

Hope you’ve had a fantastic day.  Tomorrow’s Thursday.  Weekend is almost here.

Happy Wednesday.

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January 29, 2013 By 14 Comments

We’re Not Home

Today has been one of those days chock-full of grief.  I’m still no expert on the subject…still finding my way through it and even though I’ve past the year mark since Mom died, it feels so very very fresh all the time.  Days like today, I just say to myself, “I just want her back.”  No in depth thoughts or mind blowing revelations, nope…I simply just want my mom back.

And even though it has taken me a while to find the blessings in her death…the kindred friendship that was formed, the strong bond between two grieving families, the understanding that in deep grief you can still love on and bless others…the greatest blessing was that Jesus became more real to me than ever before and heaven became a tangible place…not one of fairytaleness, but a real live place.  More than ever I am grasping the fact that we are not home.  This earth is not it…heaven awaits and even more than heaven, Jesus awaits.  The things of this world are so very, very temporary.  I can remember talking about heaven with Mom as a kid and telling her I hoped there would be marshmallows and asking if there would be.  She said, “I don’t know if there will be marshmallows or not, but you won’t need them, you’ll have Jesus.”  And so today I am thinking on heavenly things…and remembering in my heart of hearts, this is not our home.

“For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our city in heaven, which is yet to come.  With Jesus’ help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name.”  Hebrews 13:14-15

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January 28, 2013 By 5 Comments

Thank You Kindly

It’s Sol’s birthday week and boy is this kid excited.  The wee Kelleys love birthdays, but Sol takes the cake with his excitement and anticipation.  He’s been planning and talking about his birthday for at least 6 months.  All.The.Time.People.  He just could not be anymore excited.  I made a little day countdown for him on the board so he could keep up.  He reminds me in the morning to cross the day off.

He had his 4 year appointment Friday and Amon had a little visit too.  Our doctor is always so kind to let us knock out multiple appointments in one visit.  Sol is seriously like this little old man trapped in an about-to-be four-year-olds body.  He cracks me up every single day.

This weekend I had to go through some boxes of stuff from my childhood.  This was maybe my most favorite thing I found.  I’m almost positive that all my first cousins had them…that all our mom’s purchased them together…and then hung them in our rooms.  That frame has been painted one gazillion different colors…the paint job on it is thick…like super thick.  I love it.

Josh found a box of his stuff too that we had stored at my Mom’s.  He found this little gem that I bought for him when we were in high school.  And surprisingly, no, were not hoarders…our house is too small for us to hoard 🙂 So now we’re washing our hands with sparkly alien green Star Wars soap trying to get to Yoda.

Last night we went out for dinner.  We don’t go out very often, but I was feeling like we needed to get out…a change of pace.  We went to our favorite little Mexican restaurant.  It was fun to watch Amon soak it all in.

One thing I had completely forgotten about eating out with Huddy and Sol is you have to quickly collect the butter knives.  Should we be worried…they just love knives and swords and anything dangerously related.  It makes me laugh though.  I kind of like them.

A little reminder for me…and the rest of the Kelley crew.  I must say this or “treat others as you want to be treated” way, way, way too many time a day.  Crossing my fingers it’s sinking in.

And my first ever Saturday Sale was…well, Saturday.  I know I could never accurately express my deep deep gratitude to you guys, but I hope you really know how deep and sincere I am when I say, Thank you…truly, truly, truly Thank You.  I had no idea how something like this would go over…would some pieces be bought, would all, would none.  I literally sat on our bed over the computer as the emails rolled in and just cried.  I was so overwhelmed with God’s goodness.  And He deserves every last little bit of praise.  I am just humbled and honored and so very very thankful.

Now I’m working on getting everything packaged up and mailed off.  If you purchased something, make sure to check your email again…you should have a reply waiting from me.  And if you didn’t get a piece you were after, please know that I hate to disappoint and I will be having another sale February 9th.

And thank you again so much.  I just really cannot say that enough.

Hope everyone had a great weekend.  Now I’m off now to fix three little boys some lunch.

Happy Monday.

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January 25, 2013 By 3 Comments

Insta Friday + Sale Info

So I’m giving my little Saturday sale idea a go tomorrow.  I’ve been working like mad…super late nights and getting stuff done.  I will tell you, tomorrow’s sale will only be canvases.  I wanted to do some key fob sets and a few camera straps, but alas, it just isn’t going to happen.  I’m finishing up several pieces today that will make a total of 18 canvases completed for the sale.  I still have 4 more I would like to make also, if time permits.

The sale will begin at 4pm central time and all the items will be posted under the “Currently Available” tab above.  I will not post each individual “Where you invest your love, you invest your life” 4×12 canvases though.  There will be 10 available and those canvases are just mailed out at random because they are so varied and so similar…lots of random color and pattern.

Price and size will be posted with each piece.  You may purchase as many pieces as your sweet heart desires 🙂 Just send me an email using the “Contact Laura” button above and let me know which piece or pieces you would like.  These will go first come, first email.  Ha.  You get it right?!?  Once the sale starts I’ll hang around my computer pretty steadily and get back with people as quickly as possible and will also update the page letting others know which items have sold and which items are still available.  So I think that about wraps it up.  Hope to “see you” tomorrow.

  Alright…I give you another installment of Insta Friday…the culmination of all my Instagram photos from the week.

The most amazing unicorn I’ve ever seen.  It’s horn made me smile and blush.  I literally laughed out loud at the comment on Instagram that said, “Definitely magical.”  Insert spraying drink from my mouth.  Cracked me up.

Dude had his first Chick-fil-a.  As silly as it is to get emotional over your babies first Chick-fil-a…all I could think about was the multitude of pictures we have from Chick-fil-a with our “waiting for you” sign.  Sigh.  God is pretty amazing.

Amon is into windows big time.  He will sit for forever…just looking and banging on the window.  The kids love it when they are outside.

I love her.  She’s my sanity and my girl.  I look forward to how our relationship will grow and change and pray God will show me exactly how to handle her sweet spirit.

I call this…”Baby with Ginormous Globe.”  It’s art.

Got the sweetest jar in the mail.  Loni, you are crazy sweet.  I have the biggest thank you note I’ve ever seen sitting on my desk for you right now.  I just need a stamp.  Thank you so much Loni.

Had so much fun on a date night with a lot of great friends.  Happy early birthday Jacob!

Still running…in the most awesome shoes ever.  It’s like running on clouds.

Amon and I kind of took over Kinkos with our copy making.  The plus to going early in the morning…no one’s there yet.  Copiers all to myself.  Boom.

Getting busy…in the art department.

Seriously.  The.Best.Running.Buddy.  He’s got me…curly hair, chubby cheeks, almond eyes and all.

Mumford and Sons for days…and days…and days.

Only 14.1 left to run.  It’s in the bag.

They seriously stood there for 1 1/2 hours.  The men waved to them a lot.  They were in little boy heaven.

The best kind of way-too-early- morning-wake-you-from-a-dead-sleep-you-think-someone-has-died phone call is the one from your kids school saying there’s no school due to bad weather.  For a day off school, I’ll take the racing heart.

That’s it.  Are you on Instagram too?  I’m pitterpatterart.  Have the most amazing Friday ever and rock the weekend.

Happy Friday!

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January 24, 2013 By 7 Comments

Joy

Today was one of those really great days.  The ones that aren’t just happy, but are joy filled.  One of those where things just kind of work out and laughter is big.  One where you just feel good at the end of the day.  It doesn’t happen everyday…by any stretch, but sometimes we hammer on through and choose joy throughout the day.

*Got up way too early and ran.  It was a super cold, good, hard run and when we were closing in on the parking lot where our cars were parked, I thought about how blessed I was to be able to run.  And I picked up my pace a bit.

*The wee Kelleys had dentist appointments.  They love the dentist…I have no idea why.  I kind of dread going myself, but my kids love it.  And no cavities and Huddy flossed all the way home.  He loves floss.

(The boys are all back there.  I look pasty white and tired.  I need a tan and a nap.  Ha.)

*Amon still won’t for real crawl…only swims his little body all over our house, but he pulled himself up on the steps yesterday.  And today did it more and more…and on small chairs and stools and knees.  I just adore this child.

*I made some treats for a sweet friend.  She deserves them.  And I made a few extra cookies for us too.  The ride home from school may have consisted of everyone enjoying a chocolate chip cookie.

*This kids birthday is next week.  4…ugh…he’s going to be 4.  How can it be.  Time is no friend of mine.  I adore his old man ways and his intensity and passion.  And his deep love.  They other day when we all ran at the park…he asked to hold my hand the whole time.  Swoon.

*Today I finished up a big batch of canvases.  I have so many more to complete, but so far I’m moving right along.

*How humbling and comforting and amazing and seriously, I just don’t deserve a God who cares and loves and fights like mad for me.  But, whoa, how crazy thankful I am.

*We went to the party store today and let Sol pick out some fun plates and napkins for him to enjoy his cake on.  He chose Transformer stuff.  There was a serious debate in his little head between Transformers and Star Wars…it was a nail biter for sure.  In the end, Transformers won out.  Huddy declared, “It’s okay Sol.  For my birthday I’ll have Star Wars.”  His birthday is in September.

*A kind, kind friend made us dinner for tonight and I did not have to even think about what was going to be for dinner.  Maybe my most favorite part of the day…that’s sad right?!?!  And it was amazingly delicious.

*And now, I’m sitting on the couch and every last little Kelley is already in bed by 7pm.  Now it’s time to get back to work.  Crash Kings playing from our iTunes and my finger tips need to be dyed a little bit blacker.  That is some for real joy.

Have a great night.

Happy Thursday!

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January 23, 2013 By 9 Comments

Saturday Sale

Yesterday was so busy I totally forgot to post.  Sorry.  Just slipped my mind.  Tuesdays and Thursdays are quickly becoming 2 of my most favorite days of the week.  With each kiddo who joins the Kelley family we’ve been able to work it out where on MDO days (Tuesdays & Thursdays) the youngest Kelley gets one-on-one Mom time.  Last year was Sol’s year and Huddy and Harper had their year previously and this year belongs to Amon.  I love the time and attention I can pour into him.  And sometimes we do crazy things like go to tattoo parlors and run in 20 degree weather.  He was so hardcore.  He was like, “Yo, Mom, it’s cool that it’s so freakin’ cold out here.  You keep on running your way to 55 miles.  I’m good.”  So maybe he didn’t say all of that, but he was stellar and bundled up tight.  Ignore my terrible gross hair 🙂

I sooooooo wish I had noticed how blurry this picture was when I took it.  He’s going for a new after bath look that is pretty dang cute.  Golly.

Okay so onto the real meat of the post.  I have really been struggling with how to do the “business” side of creating.  I love doing orders, but honestly I get really overwhelmed and am really, really loving hanging with my little family and all these crazy wee Kelleys more.  Creating is totally in my DNA, so I still do it often and am really trying to see the ways I can bless others around me with the talents God has blessed me with.  They are clearly His.

(Random pictures thrown in for cuteness)

So here is what I’m thinking.  I love to create the ideas that often float through my mind and I’m contemplating making Saturdays sale days.  Essentially, I would create during the week and then post all the creations up for sale on Saturdays.  This Saturday we’re going to give it a try and see what happens.  Right now I have quite a list of things I would like to complete for the first sale, including (10) 4×12 “Where you invest your love, you invest your life” canvases, plus an additional 12 varied canvases.  So if all goes according to plan I will have 22 canvases up for sale this Saturday.  That’s a lot of work, but I have been busting it since last week.

This 9×12 “Now the sky’s our point of view” canvas will be in the mix too.

There you have it.  We’ll give it a go and see what happens.  If all the canvases pan out and time permits, I might have some sets of key fobs and a few camera straps up for grabs as well, but don’t hold me to it…I tend to aim super high and miss sometimes.  I think that’s about it.  Oh and I will post more details on Friday like time, total of canvases for sale, etc.  I’m excited to see what happens.

Hope you’re having an awesome day and thank you from the bottom of my crafty heart for even reading my tiny bit of the internet.  You’re amazing.  See you tomorrow.

Happy Wednesday.

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January 21, 2013 By 4 Comments

A Strange Place {Weekendness}

How was your weekend?  Was it full and fun?  Was it hard and good?  Sad?  I’ve come to learn that a good day or wonderful weekend or a good life can contain so many of these emotions all wrapped into one.  This weekend was good and hard…fun and emotional.  Our little family is in such a strange place right now…so many big hopes and dreams…it’s like we’re sitting on the edge of tomorrow, just waiting for the word to jump…just waiting for the guidance to know whether to jump to the left or the right.  We’re in a strange place.

And strange is okay…it’s just hard to be patient sometimes.  We also got the last bit of my stuff out of my Mom’s.  We close on her house Friday and I have a feeling that will be a very hard day.  I’m not good with stuff like that yet.  I miss her so very very much.  So yeah, life is just strange right now, but the hopes and dreams are big.  The faith that God is moving and working and healing is amazing to sit with.  Life is just full.

Our weekend was full too.  Like with Chick-fil-A.

And sweet treats…sugar cookie squares.  Rad to the radness.  Make them.  Now.

And tiny cut up food for a tiny toothless baby.

And lunches with Dad.

And practicing for the Color Run and park adventures.

And the sweetest little running partner ever.

And yummy Valentine candy.

And crafty creativeness.  I adore how she sets her stuff up…ready to create.  All options available.

And checkers with chess pieces.  No kinging going on.

And Amon love.  It’s good Yo!

And flowers from Huddy.  Oh he is so funny…scarf, boots and all.

And toy playing.

Today we had a bit of an Amon scare, but after a quick doctor’s visit, some new meds and stocking up on Pedialyte, I know he’s going to be just fine.  Having a sweet little heart baby raises my blood pressure a bit sometimes though.  And he’s pretty pitiful.

When I was picking up his Pedialyte, I totally stressed shopped.  Some are ingredients for a baked good this week, but even so, I’m so weak…totally and completely an emotional eater.  Why, why, why.  I told the cashier, “Only the necessities today.”

So life is a bit crazy and strange these days, I’m sure no one out there can relate at all right?!?!  Bahahahaha.  Here’s to a great week people.  One that is full and fun and hard and good and sad and wonderful.  Make it grand.

Happy Monday.

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January 18, 2013 By 4 Comments

Insta Friday

Can I just high-5 you all or even fist bump you because…what, what…it’s Friday.  Crazy excited it’s Friday.  So many good things this weekend to look forward to…so many good times to be had.  Life is full and can be hard as hell sometimes, but it sure is good too.  Like really good.  So Insta Friday, how I love thee, let me count the ways.

My niece Campbell had a winter themed birthday party last weekend and my SIL Jen asked me to make some snowflake cookies for the par-tay.  I obliged because that’s what aunts do 🙂 I made extra and shared with a sweet friend who happens to adore sugar cookies with frosting.  Cookies for days people…for days.

Some people asked on Instagram about the lining and then flooding of the cookies.  I use The Royal Icing (sort of recipe) from The Decorated Cookie.  I just outline in the regular frosting consistency and then thin it down with 1/2 teaspoon of water at a time, until it”s a good consistency to flood the cookie.  Hope that helps a bit…Google probably describes it better than me.  Ha.

She is his most favorite person.  It is such a big love and it sounded as if he said “Harper” this week, which delighted her heart.

We’ve ditched birthday parties for the wee Kelleys and started just doing something together as our little family of 6.  Harper’s birthday is coming up in March and she chose The Color Run.  So we’re Color Running again this year.  Hope it’s as amazing as last year and we’ve already prepped Sol that because it’s Harper’s birthday choice, he has to go.  He’s accepted it.

I made myself my own cookie…nibbled on it at night and then finished it off for breakfast.  I have no shame.

This little gem was discovered in my in-laws basement and they told Josh to take it.  Well absolutely.  Hello awesome, new/vintage free wall art.  We are pretty partial to Tennessee too.

He has the most amazing form.  I envision “yoga instructor” in his future.

Amon is the most joyful happy baby I have ever seen.  Ever.  Practically all the time.  Josh and I tell each other all the time how ridiculous he is.  He’s a dream.

Just some brotherly lunch love.  That’s all.

I bought this coffee mug for my Mom when I was in Florida when I got the word she had brain cancer.  I never got to give it to her because she never made it out of the hospital.  She loved her coffee and sparrows and red was her most favorite color, along with a good hot pink.  It so matches her personality…lively and full.  It’s now my favorite mug.

Some baby gift loving for a friend.  Happy mail is the best kind of mail.

Fabulous hair.  Fabulous smile.  Fabulous scar.  Fabulous heart.  Fabulous baby.

Icecream night is the best night to be a Kelley.  The best.  The wee Kelleys would concur.

Sol waits so much more patiently for cookies when the force is with him.

Running my miles on down.  Getting closer and closer to 55 miles.  Only 13 days left.

Mumford & Sons love.  These all sold yesterday.  Thank you guys…you’re amazing.

Harper got this neon blue hat/mittens cat combo for Christmas from her grandparents.  When she puts it on she immediately morphs into this hilarious cat character.  It’s quite entertaining.

And you may want to overt your eyes…this last one is just a bit too much to handle.  Good golly, I like him.

Are you on Instagram?  I’m pitterpatterart if you want to follow along.  It’s pretty fun.

Have a crazy awesome weekend.

Happy Friday!


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